4 of the Best Views of the Beautiful Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains

September 3, 2015

The Smoky Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountains, located along the Tennessee and North Carolina border. The Appalachian Trail winds its way through the mountains and have a variety of 100 trees and beautiful shrubs that burst into color from October to early November. The maple, birch, beech and hemlock trees leaves paint the forest in shades of deep reds, bright yellows and vivid oranges and are a sight to see from many areas of the Smokies.

1. Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome, which rises to an elevation of 6,643 feet, is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. Over 100 miles and multiple states can be seen from the top on the most clear days. Although, on average, there’s a view of at least 20-30 miles in the fall. To see the sun set over the beautiful fall foliage is considered one of the most beautiful sights in East Tennessee.

2. Gatlinburg Space Needle

From Clingmans Dome, it isn’t a far drive to arrive back in Gatlinburg at the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The gorgeous view of the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains can be seen from its 340 foot high observation deck. The Gatlinburg Space Needle provides free viewfinders and lots of information about the Smoky Mountains. You can make your time at the Gatlinburg Space Needle as quick or lengthy as you’d like. You can spend a quick few minutes taking in the sights, or spend a little while at the top taking pictures. Then, there’s all sorts of fun things to do inside the Space Needle, down below, like spend time at Arcadia, a Gatlinburg arcade area, and grab lunch at the pizza bakery, Slice. You can learn more about the Gatlinburg Space Needle by clicking here .

3. Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

Another fun way to view the beautiful fall colors in the Smoky Mountains is the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. This cable car, which seats 120 people, takes you on a 2 mile ride up to Ober Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Tramway is one of the largest aerial tramways in the United States and offers a beautiful view of the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. You can click here to learn more about the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

4. Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails

Some prefer the open, fresh air and there are many beautiful trails to hike in the Smoky Mountains. Considered some of the best in October, and starting from Clingmans Dome, is the Sugarland Mountain Trail as well as other trails including Albright Cove, Rich Mountain Loop, and Oconaluftee River Trail. Just about anywhere you go hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find the beautiful colors of fall. We recommend making the hike up Mount LeConte in the fall, too. It’s got beautiful views and you really will get to truly experience the fall scenery.

Later in the fall season, the leaves begin to fall on the forest floor with leaves creating a beautiful canopy of vivid reds, oranges and golden yellows. You don’t want to miss the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains because they’re absolutely unbelievable.

A hiking trail that shows off the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains.Of course, you can also take in the beautiful fall views from one of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals. We will help you find the perfect cabin for your vacation getaway, so you can experience all of the fall sights and sounds while relaxing right in your cabin. Give us a call today!